You sound like the same idiots that were screaming about the sanctity of the regular season when it came to the the disappearance of the old bowl system. That era was over the second the BCS implemented a championship game of any kind. It was doomed once the sport decided they would attempt to declare a definitive national championship every season. You just didn't realize it. That's on you.
Players already sit for various reasons during a season for depth. But do you know what actually KEEPS players from just shutting down halfway and declaring for the NFL draft more than anything else these days? You guessed it, the fucking promise of the playoffs and a national championship. Guess what more teams getting in means?
Additionally, the importance of the regular season doesn't blow my skirt up when people would go back to scheduling FCS teams as often as possible to stay undefeated, and play their 3rd string. You're cool with that, but you take exception with players might sit more often to stay healthy? Right.
I don't think geography will be #1. It would be #3 on your list, and honestly, I'm not sure that it wouldn't be behind Ratings, which isn't even accounted for by you.